Maryland commitment Keandre Jones was presented with an Under Armour All-America jersey on Friday in a ceremony presented by American Family Insurance, attended by friends, family and members of the Our Lady of Good Counsel High faculty.

For the No. 98-ranked prospect in the class of 2016, Tuesday’s ceremony was a reminder that hard work and dedication almost always pays off.

“It means a lot to be an Under Armour All-America,” said Jones. “It means all of my hard work and sacrifice have lead me to this point. A lot of work on and off the field has put myself in this position.”

The 6-foot-3, 204-pound hard-hitting linebacker with coverage skills is one of several players from the “DMV” to be selected to the prestigious game. The chance to represent the hometown area and impress nationally isn’t lost on Jones.

“We just want to show everyone that DMV football can compete with the best of the best. A lot of players from California, Texas, Florida and the big states get a lot of attention, but I feel like we have been on the rise too. We just want to show that we can compete.”

For some, there is a realization as a freshman or at the start of sophomore season that being nationally recruited and going on to be an All-American is a likely scenario. Those possibilities didn’t register for Jones until he was a sophomore.

“Honestly, it didn’t really hit me until after my sophomore year. I started on varsity as a sophomore, and had coaches telling me it could happen, but it wasn’t until after the season I realized it. I’ve just stayed focused, and realized I have the opportunity of a lifetime and to keep working,”

While the coaching change has left some questions regarding Maryland, Jones has stayed firm with his pledge for a very important reason -- family.

“Honestly, it was right for me because my mom is a single mother, and making sure she is alright. She can keep watching me play in person. Once I knew that some of the other players from the area wanted to commit, it was an easy decision.”

Programs such as Ohio State and Clemson are working to get Jones on campus while the Terrapins go through the search for a new head coach. Jones said he would likely make a few visits to make sure of his decision with the uncertainty surrounding the next Maryland head coach.

Six questions with Keandre Jones:

What player are you looking forward to competing with or against in the Under Armour All-America Game?

I’m not into the social media stuff, and taking names. I would say its Kareem Walker though. I think he brought out the best in me when we played this year.

If you could start a team with any player in your class, who would it be and why?

Dwayne Haskins. That’s the captain right there. He’s likeable, likes to compete and never gives up on a play, and an easy guy to talk to and be around.

What is your earliest football memory?

When I first started playing in the fourth grade. I think we called it the midgets. I played everywhere. I played defensive end and running back, and wore 99. It looked funny.

Which football player did you watch as a kid?

Sean Taylor. His aggressiveness, his passion for the game and his motor were special. When he passed away, I really started watching his old film. I wish I could be just like him on the field even though I’m a linebacker.

If you could take on any pro in their sport, who would it be and why?

I would want to go against Marshawn Lynch. I want to go up against "Beast Mode," even though he is bigger than me right now.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m just a normal high school kid working for something good with hopes to take care of my mom and family.